"THEY TAUGHT ME TO LOVE MY CHILD"

The Area Wide United Way hopes to raise $477,000 during its annual fund drive to help support 26 local agencies.

Those agencies, in turn, provide services to thousands of residents in need, individuals like young Elton and his mother.

Two and one-half years ago Elton was out of control. His hyperactivity, at age 3, took his mother to the end of her knowledge, patience and endurance.

"I was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted," the child's mother said. "I knew I needed help."

The child's mother spoke at the kick-off luncheon for the Area Wide United Way's annual fund-raising campaign on Sept. 2.

Knowing she needed help, she contacted the Family Learning Center, a United Way agency.

"The first day was very emotional," Elton's mother recalled. "They explained to me it wasn't my fault the way my child was acting. After the first hour, I went to my car and cried. I wasn't crazy and he wasn't possessed. There was hope and we were going to get some help.

"After 14 months, on that last day, I felt like a hostage being set free. I knew my child was going to be OK and we were going to make it."

Before the Family Learning Center staff entered her life, Elton's mother wasn't so sure.

"If it were not for them, I don't think my family would be together today. They taught me to love my child the way he is."

"These agencies do play a big part in this community," said Pat Allen, chairman of this year's campaign. "We need to work hard and collect the money needed to meet our goal."

The goal is $477,000. Money raised will be distributed to 26 agencies, including the Family Learning Center. Two agencies are new to the United Way lineup this year: VIP Industries and the Civil Air Patrol.

"The goal is a challenge, I think," said Allen. "But it's also attainable."

Also speaking at the kick-off was Craig Felzien, accompanied by his one-year-old son. "I'm here to talk about giving out of gratitude," he said.

While Felzien's youngest son is healthy, his oldest son was born in 1978 three months premature. Medical bills totaled more than $26,000, he said, and his family was unable to pay the bills. They lived in Kansas City at the time.

"I called the United Way in Kansas City. Of course, they didn't have the money to help me, but they directed me to the people who could help.

"I feel I owe a debt of gratitude to the United Way for the help we received," Felzien said. Today, he and his wife volunteer their time for the United Way. Felzien is chairman of the YELL for Newspapers program.

Bob Robins, president of the United Way Board of Directors, explained that the local board makes decisions about which agencies are funded and how much money each receives.

"The United Way is probably the best way to give a dollar to help a friend or neighbor," Robins said.

Allen said less than 1 percent of money collected locally is sent to the national organization. "The rest of the money stays here to fund local agencies," she said.

Dorothy Klein, executive director of the United Way, said, "We would hope to wrap up the campaign by Oct. 15."